r /

i Spirited Away.

Bt J. A. Solum,

j

The Inhublunt* of Albuqutnjue.' New Mexico, had become greatly excited on account of a series of daring robberies that had been perpetrated ; in their midst- The principal dry , goods store had been broken Into, and giOO dollars' worth of silks taken from the shelves and 1200 In rpecle and In bills stores from the safe; the post oflSce 'had been nobbed: and even the vault of a bank had been blown open, and not less than $20,000 in money and $40,000 in coupon bonds had been secured by the miscreants. In not one Instance were any of the fellows captured, and no clew as to their hiding place or rendezvous for the planning of their robberies could be ob-

tained.

Alarming as was the continuation of the robberies. It was turpassed by an occurrence that proved to be the culnomination of the work of the desperadoes. Oue night the boautiful daughter of Colonel Bleaker, the richest citlxen of the city, was kidnapped. That the deed had been done by the robbers for the purpoee of keeping the maiden captive until they could obtain a liberal ransom from the distracted father there could scarcely be a doubt. The circumstantial evidence showed that Helen Bleeker had been chloroformed while slew ping in her bed. after

which a blanket had been about her and the had been from the house and spirited away.

Helen had a lover named Malcolm MacDonald, a shrewd young lawyer, who was confident that the headquarters of the kiunappers were In the crater of’lava beds about 20 miles southwest of Albuquerque. This belief was not shared by many people. hoWrever, for the cave had often been visited by hunters, contained no hidden recesses, and was not adapted to purposes of concealment or defense. But suffice It to say that MacDonald knew what he was about when he resolved to attempt the rescue of the dear girl tc whom he was bMrothed.by orgahTxlng a party to search for her captors among the lava beds. Five of his friends, all of them stout-hearted and adventurous young fellows, agreed to aid him. Armed to

rapped borne

n good h

the party quietly left Albuquerque three hours after the abduction of Helen became known. When they arrived within sight of the lava bedc they placed their horses In the care of a trustworthy ranchman, and with watchful eyea waiaed toward their des-

tination.

The lava beds were several acres In extent, and were in the shape of a low and broken cone, the top of which was hollowed out sa as to resemble a hug? bowl. The latter w^s all that remained of. the-«yat»r'tff extinct volcano," end to Jbns had destroying Infiuences been atVork that the sides had considerably fallen away and crumbled until the once deep bowl was now so shanow that Is was easy to

walk into and out of it.

The young men. noldlng their rifles

n attack, demwl and ad-

vanced until they came to the mouth

re. Ti it a go

-downward a distance of ten feet to the cave, which was about a rod lon^ and shaped like a right-angled triangle. The adventurers satisfied themselves by a cautious exploration that the robbers were not in the cavity. A little later, while, torch in hand, they were examining the bottom of the hollow, they discovered a square section of the lava floor-was slightly separated from the surrounding lava. The excited men pounded on the slab^oTtava until they broke It sufficiently to enable them to grasp the piecek and remove them. A deep hole was revealed, tecept where narrow sbelres extending on four sldec had served to support the edgss of the bloefe. It was probable that the party was at the entrance of toe hiding place of the robbers, at the mouth of a second cave lying beneath the one they were in. The supposition was that one Of .the rollbers bad accidentally broken through the floor of the first cave at a point-where It was thin, and had thus dlrcovered the entrance to the second cavern. It was further surmised that in order

irge, mnd

h youni radinese

1 they

. The opening wan la: and from it a goodsieed past

* of ten

cut a block of lava from thS extensive beds outside of the cave and hlft fitted It above the hole In the manner already described. MacDonald determined to make the descent of the chairing sides of the hole. He argued that the robbers ware undoubtedly asleep at that hour, and ice of CO! ing the g that dissuade him, and admiring his boldness. the young maa discontinued their objections; and after they had assured him that they would defend him should he come forth pursued, and would revenge bis death should bs be killed, they bade him godspefed as ha entsrsd •.he cavity. Ht'was armed with a Ion* looting knife and a brace of pistols, >nd carried in his hand a dark lantern. Closing the slide;of (be lantern so ts to oonceal the light be crept In iarknees down the passage. At last he stood upright and moved on a level. He was in the cavY The sound of kashlng venters came Jo his startled i ears, and he Inferred test he stood tipon the edge of a subterranean lake. After considerable hesitation hs ventered to Urn on tbs light. A weird spectacle was present'd his view. Above was the roof of the cave, composed of skaggy lava, from which

rocks proy-uded so much of themselves that H seemed as If they might fall at any moment. The sides of the cavern were equally rough, and with the exception of the shelf of lava on which MacDonald stood the bottom of the cave was covered with a gloomy waste

advanced toward him. Itwasnot acraft belonging to the robbers, as MacDonald had at first feared, but wee en

until MacDonald bethought him that the mass wss undoubtedly composed of pumice, a feldspat-ic scoria produced by volcanoes, that la lighter

than water.

H Immediately occurred to our hero

bly on l he lante

t probably gather* a freely, feeling c

without delay.

Once more he was in intense darkneee. As the island came nearer hs could distinguish a dim light. He at once came to the conclusion that the muss was of considerable size, and that the light arose nearits centre from camp fire around which the outlaws

icred. He breathed confident that he

had not been discovered. When the island had almost resched the shore It censed a slight swashing of the water, and guided by the sound. MacDonald could almost tell where the floating lava was. Cautiously putting out his hands, he felt them corns in conuct with a hard and moving surface: and as the Island touched the shore he gave a leap of sufficient power to carry him well upon the singular craft. He eat still for s few'moments, and to his alarm noticed that the islgnd haa not lingered at the abore, as he had. hoped that it would do. It was already moving stesdUy away, and he eurmlsed that the currents of ths singular lake or river, so ran as to carry the mass round and round the cave. So regular appeared to be the movement that he believed the robbers had been able to ascertain just at what times during the 24 hours of the day (for he could not believe that the lake was of so vast a size as to require days to make its circuit) the Island could be depended upon to touch the shore that he had letL After slowly climbing upward for six or seven test MacDonald came to the top of the island and men learned that the theory as to the dim illumination was correct, 'ue Island was circular, about one-half acre In exteht. and near Its centre was the fire, now burning low. The Island shelved from its elevated sides toward ,~e centre, and on account of the bdwMIke surface It was possible to see the entire area, although Its edges conld not be diulnctly seen on account of the Inbillty ot the urs except In its immediate vicinity, to overcome the power of the intense darkness. Rolled in blankets and stretched around the fire were eight roobers/ asleep, bout ten feet from tee Are was a wigwam covered with strips of straw matting that bad been la.d upon the slanting poles of the frame. That his dear H<en was in this wigwam MacDonald felt al-

most certain.

How to act under the circumstances was most perplexing. To attempt* to rescue Hekn. or even to communicate with her. would be an undertaking fraught with the greatest hazard. While our hero hes.tated bis eyes were attracted to some plunder that tbs robbers had left In a pile a abort distance from where he stood. Among the articles were heavy horse blankets. A bright Idea came to MacDonald. He removed his shoes, went in his stocking feet ts the pile, celected'two blankets, folded them Into as small a compass as possible, plsced them on one arm. and, lantern In hand, approached the Are and toe eight men. who slept soundly after the arduons work of the previous night. Whcp be was a few feet from the Are MacDonald paused and laid the blankets on the lava. It was a singular and most exciting situation. Far from the aid of friends, In a cavern, on a mysterious Isva island that floated In a subterranean lake of unknown depth and extent; our hero stood In the presence of foes who should one of their number happen to awake and give the alarm, would shoot him down

la an Instant.

MacDonald did not, however, spend any time In thinking of the singularity and peril of his slnuelion. In the most careful mnnne caver the burning blankets and to smother the fire. Owing to his precautions, should the robbers awake, before they conld light their lanterns he. conld escape In the Once mors the cave was wrapped in Inky blackness. MacDonald moved the slide of- his lantern sufficiently to give him the little light that he needed. He approached the wigwam with a beating heart. At this moment one of the villains stirred and groaned. It was « moment of terrible suspense. The man muttered something and It seemed as if be must he awake. MacDonald rioted the slide and waited, while the perspiration started from every pore of bis body. But the danger passed. The man sank Into deep •lumber. MacDonald gave himself a little light a tsoond time, and peered into the wigwam. Yes. Helen wss

-there!

"What a dear, brave fellow you ^re," she murmured, "to risk your life for

me!”

She looked at him with tears in her beautiful eyes, and stroked bis hair fondly. • At this moment one'af the villains awoke. "What is the matter with the flreT*’ he cried. MacDonald had taken the precaution to cloee his lantern while Helen and be were whispering, so tbst there was no danger of Immediate discovery. The man got up and began to fumble around. His companions awoke, nnd swore because they had been disturbed. Not a moment was to be lost. The situation was desperate, wellnigh hopeless. MacDonald feared that’ he bad played a brave and most perilous part only to be defeated. While he waa In krrrible suapente. not knowing what was best to do, the deer girl whispered to him.— "Let us fly. There Is a boat I came In it." "Can you find It?"

"Te

flag c HIH Meanwhile the robbers had discovered the blankets, and were removing them from the fire. Two of the fellows approached the wigwam. As they resched H MacDonald and Htlen left It after he had hastily cut the cords that bound the. maiden's hands. One of the men happening to touch our hero, the latter with quick presence of mind, felled his enemy to the lava. The robbers, now thoroughly aroused, hurled forth Imprecations that echoed In a deafening manner throughout the cavern. But they could not readly find a lantern. and could not tell where the fugitives. running noiselessly In their stocking fpst, were. The pursuers dlschargsd their pistols at random, and one bullet whistled by the heads of our hero and heroine. They continued to run. keeping as nearly as they could a straight course. MacDonald opened the slide of tbs lantern as soon as he dared to do It. They had retched the top of the height just above the shore; but no flag was In sight. The robbers esw the fugitives, yelled viciously and fired their pistols. Bullets whistled alarmingly near the Intended'victims. MacDonnld clored the lantern, and holding Helen's hand, walked along the Island's edge. Again he allowed a gleam of light to escape. He raw the flag ten feet from him. and closed ths lantern before the vttUans could fire. The steps ot the pursuers soundeo

They fell against the flag pole, and re-

,t 1 PEARLS OF THOJSHT. Patience Is bitter, but Its' fruit Is

sweet.—Rousseau.

, For some not to be martyred la s

martyrdom.—Donne.

Who fears to oil end takes the first step to please.—Cibber. Orlgnlallty Is simply m pair of fresh eyes.—T. W. Hlggtnson. Learning passes for wisdom among those who want both.—Sir W. Temple Ws cannot always oblige, but we can always speak obligingly.—Vol-

taire

i steep h he lante

Donald opened the lantern. Thank God! Th? boat waa at U\glr feet. They sprang into It MacDonald handed Helen the lantern, cut the rope, grarped the oars, and they were

afloat.

At this moment three of the robbers, waving pistols, gained the summit of the bank. "Shut the lantern!" MacDonald

cried.

Before Helen could, obey the cavern rang with a great discharge of firearms. The three men threw up their hands and fell forward Into the water. MacDonald knew that his friends had rome to the rescue just hi time. He looked behind-him. and saw on the lava shelf his five brave companions waving their hands with tlellght. The boat touched the shore. Willing hands asalcted our hero and heroine to alight

were taken back to Albuquerque

triumph.

Young MacDonald, the fair Helen and their five gallant friepds were received with raptures by Colonel Sleeker and his wife, and were lionized by nil the people of the city.—Waverly

Magazine.

or Intemt 1* Stamp Collector*. In these days when new series ot

postage stamps are being Issued by the United States and by other countries to commemorate great events, expositions and anniversaries, the young stamp collector haa- plenty to 6o to keep pace with the times. Th? recent appearance of the Pan-American stamps. In two colors and of very attractive design, haa set the Interested ones to work with renewed seat The

douhllecs i

_ to wi

tranrmlsslsslppl Issue of 1898 1$ represented In every varellregulaled collection, as are the Coltnpsltlon stamps c.

stamps about

to be Issued, Jt Is said, by foreign countries, and" those who delight In the work will doubtless make an effort to secure some of them. The Sultan of Turkey will commemmorate the

2Mb aim I \ the throm

use

Brazil haa recently Issued a set of

stamp to be In i

e on that day only.

A new stamp has been Issued for Western Australia of the value of twopence. half-penny. Another recent stamp le tbs New Zealand one penny, printed Voth In London and In New ~ " than those of local print

Zealand. Those printed In London i rare. Hut show fines' workmanshlj

Hereafter visitors at ths Kansas state penitentiary win ^ charged 10 cents each. Ths sum goes 1

Cicero. Pleasure Is the flower that fades; remembrance is the 'afting perfume.— Boufflers. Absence of occupation Is not rest; a mind quite vacant Is a mind distressed. —Cowper. The prudence of the best heads is often defeated by the tenderness of ths best of hearts.—Fielding.

bappine disparagement.—J. Chanon. Put this restriction on your pleasures: Be cautious that they Injure no being that lives.—Zimmerman. Our incomes are like our shoes; if too small they gall and pinch us. but If too large they cause us td stumble and trip.—Colton. VALUE OF EXERCISE. Dsvalnpnivnt Ihs Itrtult nf HsreSily, Environment and activity. Phyrlcal exercise, like all other things, has had Its ups and downs. When Greece and Rom* had the upper hand, the physical was most cultivated. In the 17th century things physical had a downfall. The reaction

ideal. It was early In the 18th century when more Interest was taken In these things; this Interest increased until now physical education Is recognized In the school, college and university as am essential part In the education and all-around development of the yonth. Since It Is through the phyrlcal that we come In contact with an Influence our fellow-beings, and as so much depends upon physical conditions. It is not entirely out of plsee to discuss such a subject before a body of this

kind.

Developmtnt and an approach toward perfection are results of exercise. If a growing nerve cell never sends an Impulse over its axon R cannot berome on efficient nerve cell A growing muscle fibre which never contracts falls to develop into i healthy adult fibre. A growing gland which never secretes Its fluid does not become a perfect gland. Without exercise there is no true growth, end when exercise ceases degeneration sets In. Activity Is ths Isw of growth. Development is the result of three

ac-

Tbese terms hardly need de-

fining here, yet for our purpose wc will

each.

rlty. T olng her

a word concerning e

factors—heredity, environment and

tirlty. fining

Heredity is the expression of the structure and character of the fertilized ovum from wbic}> all the cells of the body are derived. It gives us the living material upon which to^ work, and at once determines the posSlblllUcb. the limitations and to a certain extent the course of training. Environment, both of the body as a whole and of each of Ks units, the living cell*. This Includes the external conditions of life as well as the chemical and physical character of the blood. Undrr It are included the food tupply, surrounding temperature, clothing, the care of the young by parrots. hygienic condition of the dwell-

ing. etc.

Activity at the Indlvldnal cell of the body as a whole. By activity Is meant not simply muscular activity that Ik merely activity of one kind of cell— the muscular fibre. A nervous Impulse from a nerve cell Is another due of activity. A gland cell performing Us function normally is still another case; —Honolulu Commercial-Advertiser.

Thomas J«fr«r»oB's Not*.

Carrington U. Bacon of Imboden, Lawrence county, Ark.. Is the/feossess,or of a promissory note for $270,.whlch was given by Thomas Jefferson. April 7.1818, to Edmund Bacon, great-grand-father of the present holder of the paper. - The note has long alnce been paid, but om a count of the customs and Inetltations of the, period when it

executed, remained In the the drawee and da

tisn of the drawee and

through three gjenei ent owner. sJtlhe drawn EdmuAd'Em

derations to the | fhe time the note Bucon’ Owned a 1

lescended

pres-

was

farm

adjoining Mr./jeffersfeh's Montlcrilo place In VtrflfAla. Btfore the note was paid Mr. Bacon moved west and

home Jp Kentock fought the note, wl

duly paid. The malls at the time were

mnde his hbtil Kentucky,

him he bfought

A Th* ,

slow anrf uncertain, and for this rearon the fcotp was not returned to Mr. Jeffersqp. This odd bit of yellow, mildewed futper Is prized by Rs owner as mudh for Its connection with the history of his family as for belnc an autograph of a famons man and writ-

ten by t! the Deri

LltUh Rock Democrat

A Trie U ErJ.W

i arp fright

"Oh, not nil of then

"Anthers are frightfully conceited."

"Well, the three a

hors 1 wrote to

for their nutograplls all sent me tholr photo graphs."—Chicago Record-Her-

i 800 policemen ts

ESTABLISHED 1901. FIRST NATIONAL BANK or c*ri mav. CAPE MAY CITY, N. J. OFFICERS CSTLEY R. WALE VICE FRESIDENT. DIRECTORS

rsspotbslhUHy^wsn-anL ^ buMssre Psld up capital, $26,000. The first and only National Bank Is Gape May County Pars 3 per cent Interest on Ume deposit*.

Coward Uan Jessed, Custom Tailoring. II selection oi new and up-to date Flannel Stripes, Worsted, Serges, Cassimeres and Cheviots now in slock.—At popular prices. 424 Washington Street.

HOWARD F. OTTER, No. 619 Washington St.. Cape May City, N. J GENERAL UPHOLSTERER, RENOVATOR OF FURNITURE AND MATTRESSES.

« **OWPTlT *TTCNOCD Ti

THE HOMESTEAB East Corner Washinaton and Jackson Sts. CAPE MAY, N. J. THE CAPE is thoroughly up-to-date in all appoint-

uiefits. Handsomely appointed parlors _ for ladies. Cottages served with Choicest Wines, Liquors and Beers. J. J. RATTY, Proprietor

TfrE ALDINE

DECATUR ST. (Fii from beach). Open year. Rooms large Appointment* first-cl

sine excellent. Rates, $2 per day. upward; $10 per wosk, upward. THEODORE MUELLER.

od shfi.

:lass. Oti-

M- C. SWAIN & Co.,

OFFICE ^ RESIDENCE. ARTIFICIAL STONE

Corgie ana Queen Streets

CAPE MAY. N. J.

Twenty-five Years Experience.

PAVEMENTS. CELLARS.

FLOORS, &c.

or ANY COLOR OR DESIGN.

WHY HOT TRY ELWELL A ELWELL, m umt nst iitiB te cm »s wiasraii urar, For Fine Groceries and Provisions, Butter, Eggs, Etc., Salt and Smoked Meats? Orders taken and delivered.

PROMPTATTENTION^

SIGN WRITING.

MECRAY’S MARKET, 623 Washington Street, - Cape May, N. J

MEATS, GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS P. E. SHMPIESS' GUT-EDGE BUTTER. Country Produce Fresh Daily. Poultry of All Rinds. - Sgiiahs a Specialty. FROM OUR OWN FARM.

WM:. S. SHAW, , GENERAL CO FTTH ACTOR. 7 LIME, BRICKS, SAND,"' CEMENT AND BUILDERS’ MATERIALS. Telephone No. 30. - . : 623 Elmira. Street

P. R-IKOER HOTEL Ms RESTAURANT

219 Decatur Street, - ,CAPE MAY, N. J. ■ Phone 88 ►Aft*.

SEASIDE STUDIO,

ADJOINING STOCKTON SURF BATHS,

ic racT’criuBa ab oje»ttq ~ajstx; •or^w^Rzos Exterior and lnterior Work of all Kinds. Pictures Copied and

■ a *—'— and Printing Done for Amateurs.

ITHi Proprietor.

^EnlargetL^ Mnt